Right angle constant impedance connector



April 8, 1950 a. c. ARNOLD, JR 2,504,104

. RIGHT ANGLE CONSTANT IIPEDANCE CONNECTOR Filed Au 11, 1944 Patented Apr. 18, 1950 RIGHT ANGLE CONSTANT HIPEDANCI CONNECTOR Gordon 0. Arnold, Jr., Bristol, Tenn. Application August 11, 1944, Serial No. 549,085

2 Claims.

(Granted under the act of March amended April 30, 1928; 370 O. G. 757) The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes, without the payment to me of any royalty thereon.

The invention to be hereinafter described relates to a constant impedance connector for coaxial lines for radio equipment.

It has long been known that in connecting two coaxial cables at an angle there has been dimculty in maintaining constant impedance. This is due to the fact that the coaxial conductors of the cable, in passing through the arc in chang-.

ing from one direction to the other, do not maintain exactly the same parallel relation as before. Such variation from the parallel produces corresponding variation in impedance, as is well understood. Heretofore, when such connections have been made it has been the practice to devise a coupling from parts of three different connectors combined. Such combinations involve an undue number of parts with correspondingly added operations and handling, and require excessive space and, even then, they do not give satisfactory results.

The present invention overcomes the above and other objections and provides a simple, em-

cient and compact unitary connector, which may be applied with minimum operation and in restricted space and may be readily produced in V quantity.

In order to more clearly disclose the construction, operation and use of the invention, reference should be made to the accompanying draw-- ings forming part of the present application.

. Throughout the several figures of the drawings like reference characters designate the same parts in the diilerent views.

In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the invention; Fig. 2 is a central longitudinal cross section through it;

Fig. 3 is a lateral cram section on line 3-3 a cylindrical rod 2.

' element l. Accordingly,

2 outer conductor and positively maintained concentric at all points throughout their lengths.

In the preferred form of the invention an L or right angle tubular member i constitutes the outer coaxial conductor and has its ends constructed and threaded to receive the usual connectors for securing the cable ends in operative position in well known manner. It is shown as mounted in the usual plate which may be secured in or to a panel or chassis of radio equipment, in well known manner. 4

The inner or center coaxial conductor, within the L and extending from the respective connector end to the angle or intersection comprises One such rod terminates in a screw threaded nib or extension 3 adapted to be turned or threaded into an interiorly threaded eye 4 provided in the corresponding end of the other rod 2.

In order to properly, concentrically space rods 2 from the inner surface of l, throughout, annular spacing blocks 5 are provided. These blocks, of course, are of suitable insulating material such as polystyrene or some form of Bakelite. They are of such dimensions as will, when positioned within the member i, receive and support the respective rod 2 concentrically therewithin, completely bridging the annular space between the two conductors. As a general rule, the total length of rods 2, assembled, is not great and the same is true of the L or outer conductor the number of spacers 5 required is small. As shown, two spacers for each rod are used, one near each end. That is ample for construction of the proportions shown. Where different proportions are used, a corre sponding diii'erence in the number of spacers will, logically result.

One simple method of assembling would be to position the respective spacing blocks 5 along the perforated rod 2, as they should be in final assembly, securing them in any suitable manner to prevent displacement and then insert this assembly in the respective branch of the L member I. Next, similarly assemble the other rod 2 and its blocks 5 and attach it to the proper coaxial conductor of the cable. Preferably, this is done by boring out the free end of that rod, boring a lateral hole intersecting that bore, inserting the hated end of the center conductor of the coaxial cable and soldering it through the lateral bore. In making the complete or final connection, the rod 2 withthe threaded end, after aligning with the eye 4 of the other rod, is rotated to positively connect the adjacent inner ends of rods 2. It will 3 also be noticed that by such connection, rods 2, at and throughout that connection. are maintained completely concentric with the outer conductor I. It will be well understood, however, that various other ways or methods of assembly may be followed, as may be desired.

Due to the positively maintained or constant concentric relation between rods 2 and member I, throughout, there is a substantially constant impedance in the coaxial line in this connector, which is not the case where, due to change of direction on such connections, the parallel relation is not so adequately maintained.

As will be clear, the total assemblage of this angular connection is a simple unit which may be completely installed in one simple operation and, when installed, will positively maintain a uniform radial distance between the coaxial conductor elements throughout thelength of the connection.

A right angle, constant impedance connector, constructed in accordance with this invention requires the minimum space and necessitates least time and operation in installation. It may be applied in places so restricted that existing devices are not now possible of application.

It is .believed that the construction, operation and use of the invention will be clear from the preceding detailed description.

Many changes may be made in the construction, arrangement and disposition of the various parts of the invention, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the field of the invention and it is meant to include all such within this application wherein only one preferred form has been disclosed purely by way 4 by said rodsmay be connected and disconnected of illustration and with no thought or intent to,

in any degree, limit the. invention thereby.

Having thus described my invention what I rods remains constant at said connection, whereuniformly spaced from the interior of said tubular conductor throughout the combined length of said connected rods.

2. A coaxial cable connector having means for maintaining a constant impedance through said connector, said means comprising a right angle tubularconductor, a first coaxial conductor rod having a diametrically extending threaded bore through one end, a plurality of supporting spacing washers distributed along said first rod, spacing said first rod uniformly from the tubular conductor throughout its length whereby said first rod may be readily removed or inserted, a second coaxial conductor rod of the same cross section as said first conductor rod and having an axially extending threaded nib cooperating with said threaded bore to detachably connect said rods in centrally spaced relation within the angle of said tubular conductor, said nib and bore being so dimensioned that the cross section of said rods remains constant at said connection and a plurality of supporting spacing washers distributed along said second rod, spacing said second rod uniformly from the tubular conductor throughout its length whereby said second rod'may be readily removed or inserted.

GORDON C. ARNOLD, Ja.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

, I UNITED STATES PATENTS Number 

